When I started going to the Orthodox Church I am about to be chrismated in (November 14th!) - I didn't say much to my family. I wanted to make sure it was something I really wanted to do before I got into any long discussions. I told them I had visited an Orthodox Church, but that was about it. I just started praying for all three of my children and their spouses and left it.

When I decided that I was SURE that I wanted to convert to Orthodoxy, I still didn't say much. . .just that I finally found THE faith tradition I had been looking for all my life, but didn't go into any detail due to time and distance - but still prayed.

Last March, I went to celebrate mine and two of my children's birthday at my son's house. (We're all born in March with the exception of my youngest son who was there to celebrate with us.) I asked the children if they would like me to make them a Rosary for Christmas - as my daughter and her husband are practicing RC's - and my other two were searching. My youngest son surprised me with the statement, "No, Mom, I want a prayer rope." I blinked. . . then pushed a few questions to see if it was the 'prayer rope' I thought it was. Sure enough, my son had suddenly found himself surrounded by new friends who were all Orthodox. (!!)

I didn't say any more, just kept praying. Recently I went to my grandson's first birthday. My youngest son called me on the phone asking me where he would find an Orthodox Bible, and asked if I was still going to the Orthodox Church. I told him I was, and that there is the Orthodox Study Bible. I took him a few things and the book Becoming Orthodox for him to read. He asked for a prayer book and a prayer rope. . .and a Bible if I could manage one. Then his precious wife asked for the same.

He read Becoming Orthodox and called me stating that he couldn't put it down and was so filled with joy! (his words!) When he finished, he said that he's going to call the church that is in his area and begin the process of converting, that he's FINALLY found what he's been looking for. (I can so relate!)

I'm still praying - I'll always pray for my children. . .and I have two more children with their spouses and their families that I'd love to see discover the truth and depth and love of Christ.

Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.A hasty quarrel kindles fire,and urgent strife sheds blood.If you blow on a spark, it will glow;if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who can watch the watchmen?"No one is paying attention to your post reports"Why do posters that claim to have me blocked keep sending me pms and responding to my posts? That makes no sense.

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

wow! how wonderful! let me just tell you that your youngest son will benefit GREATLY by having Orthodox Christian friends his age. they will help encourage eachother in the faith, and live a moral lifestyle. honestly, I've found that Orthodox Christian youth are among the nicest and most encouraging of all!

prayer is a wonderful thing! I can relate, as I've been Orthodox for about 6 months, and my father is taking the first steps toward conversion! he also asked me for a prayer rope, but I bought him one, as I don't posess the patience to make one myself!

I just spoke to my son yesterday and he clarified something to me that ended up being quite the misunderstanding - so since my story above elaborates on a misunderstanding - I want to correct it.

He said that his friends showed him the orthodox cross, but they are not orthodox themselves - he said he did not know the cross he drew a picture of when I was at the birthday party was orthodox until I told him so. So it was my misunderstanding in believing that he had orthodox friends. He said that my telling him that the cross was Orthodox was the first time he learned that there was such thing as an Orthodox Christianity - and that's what lead him to find out more about it. He said that he thought there was only Orthodox Judaism. . .and that's it.

My apologies for the incorrect information in the account of events above. Well, on second thought, I can't as there isn't any way I can edit the post. Moderator, if you would like to do anything with this in order to correct the information, please feel free to do so.